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How to Use Your Twitch Prime Sub on iPhone: A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve snagged yourself a Twitch Prime (now Amazon Prime Gaming) subscription and you’re itching to support your favorite streamer from your iPhone. Excellent! Here’s the lowdown on how to make it happen:

The Short Answer: You can’t directly subscribe to a streamer using your Twitch Prime sub within the Twitch iPhone app. Apple’s app store policies prevent this. However, you can claim your free monthly subscription through a web browser on your iPhone and then use it to subscribe to your chosen streamer.

Using Your Twitch Prime Sub on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

While the Twitch app itself won’t let you use your Prime sub, the mobile website is your friend. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Open Safari (or your preferred browser) on your iPhone.
Navigate to the Twitch Website: Type twitch.tv into the address bar and hit ‘Go’.
Log in to your Twitch Account: Tap the profile icon in the top right corner and then select “Log In”. Enter your Twitch username and password. This must be the same Twitch account linked to your Amazon Prime account.
Find the Streamer You Want to Support: You can either browse the directory or use the search bar to find the channel of the streamer you want to subscribe to.
Go to Their Channel Page: Tap on the streamer’s name or thumbnail to access their channel page.
Locate the Subscribe Button: Below the video player (if they are live) or in the channel information section (if they are offline), you’ll find a button labeled “Subscribe”. Tap on it.
Claim Your Prime Gaming Subscription: On the subscription page, you should see a section that says “Use Twitch Prime.” If you haven’t used your monthly sub yet, it will usually display as available. If you don’t see this option, double-check that your Twitch account is properly linked to your Amazon Prime account.
Click “Subscribe with Prime”: This will initiate the subscription process. You may need to confirm your Amazon Prime account details.
Enjoy Your Subscription Perks: Once the process is complete, you are now a subscriber to that channel and can enjoy all the benefits, such as subscriber-only chat, emotes, and more, accessible directly from the Twitch app or website.

Understanding Apple’s App Store Policies and Twitch Subscriptions

Apple requires that all in-app purchases go through their own payment system, and they take a hefty commission (around 30%) on these transactions. To avoid this cut, Twitch does not allow users to purchase or use Prime subs directly through their iOS app. By using the web browser, you are bypassing Apple’s payment system and directly supporting both Twitch and the streamer without the extra cost.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to tackle some common problems:

Amazon and Twitch accounts not linked: Ensure that the Twitch account you are logged into on your iPhone browser is the same one linked to your Amazon Prime account. You can verify this on the Twitch website under “Connections” in your settings.
Prime sub already used: Remember that you only get one Twitch Prime subscription per month. If you’ve already used it, you’ll have to wait until the next month to use another one.
Prime membership not active: Verify that your Amazon Prime membership is active and up-to-date.
Browser issues: Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or using a different browser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about using your Twitch Prime sub on your iPhone, covering different scenarios and offering useful advice.

1. Can I buy a regular Twitch subscription through the iPhone app?

Yes, you can purchase regular Twitch subscriptions through the iOS app. However, remember that Apple takes a 30% cut, meaning the streamer receives less of your contribution. It’s often more economical to purchase subscriptions through the Twitch website, even on your iPhone.

2. How do I link my Amazon Prime account to my Twitch account?

Visit the Twitch website on any browser (including your iPhone’s). Go to “Settings,” then “Connections,” and follow the instructions to link your Amazon account. You will need to log in to both accounts to complete the linking process.

3. My Twitch Prime isn’t showing up, what should I do?

First, double-check that your Amazon Prime membership is active. Then, ensure that your Twitch and Amazon accounts are correctly linked. If both are confirmed, try unlinking and relinking the accounts. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can sometimes help as well.

4. If I subscribe to a streamer using Prime on my iPhone, can I watch ad-free on the app?

Yes! Once you’ve subscribed, the ad-free viewing benefit will apply to your account across all platforms, including the iPhone app.

5. Can I use my Prime sub to subscribe to multiple channels in a month?

No, you can only use your Twitch Prime sub for one channel per month. You’ll have to wait until the next month to use it on a different channel.

6. What if I’m already subscribed to a streamer and want to use my Prime sub the following month?

Your existing paid subscription will continue unless you choose to cancel it. If you want to use your Prime sub instead, you’ll need to cancel your recurring subscription before the next billing cycle and then use your Prime sub on that channel. Note: You might lose subscriber benefits temporarily while waiting for the current subscription to expire.

7. Is there a way to see which channels I’ve used my Prime sub on in the past?

Unfortunately, Twitch does not provide a direct list of channels you’ve used your Prime sub on in previous months. You’ll need to keep track of this information yourself.

8. Can I subscribe to a tier 2 or tier 3 subscription using my Prime sub?

No, Twitch Prime subs are only valid for tier 1 subscriptions. If you want to subscribe at a higher tier, you’ll need to pay the full price.

9. Does it matter which Amazon Prime plan I have to get a Twitch Prime sub?

As long as you have a full Amazon Prime membership (not a student discount or trial), you are eligible for a free Twitch Prime subscription each month. Make sure your subscription is valid in the country of your Twitch account.

10. My Amazon Prime account is under one email, and my Twitch account is under another. Does that matter?

No, the email addresses do not need to be the same. The critical factor is that both accounts are correctly linked through the Twitch website’s “Connections” settings.

11. How do I cancel my Twitch Prime subscription to a channel?

Go to your Subscriptions page on the Twitch website. Find the channel you want to unsubscribe from and click the gear icon. Select “Don’t Renew Subscription.” This will cancel your subscription at the end of the current month.

12. If I have an Amazon Prime student discount, can I still use Twitch Prime?

Yes, most Amazon Prime student memberships include Twitch Prime benefits. However, verify the terms of your specific student plan to confirm eligibility.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of using Twitch Prime on your iPhone, you can effectively support your favorite streamers and enjoy all the perks of being a subscriber. Happy streaming!